A SERIES of three lectures on the history of RAF Burtonwood, and in particular the American occupation, during and after world war 2, is to be held in Warrington, on Monday evenings January 16, 23 and 30.
They will be given by Burtonwood Association founder and honorary lifetime president Aldon Ferguson (pictured) at the Gulliver’s Hotel, next to the association’s heritage centre.
Mr Ferguson said: “our aim is to preserve the memory of the work undertaken at Burtonwood in war and peace and the achievements of the men and women, American and local, who worked there, for future generations.
“I have so much material – photos, move clips and stories, that it has to be split into three sessions.”
Admission is free for Burtonwood association members or a single payment of £5 for one, two or all three lectures, for non-members.
To reserve a place, call Aldon Ferguson on 079 121 48938 or email [email protected]
The Burtonwood airfield first opened in 1940 and was transferred to the US Army in 1942. It was at one time the largest airfield in Europe, with 18,000 servicemen and women stationed there and played a key role during the Berlin Airlift in 1948-48.
It again became a major US base in 1966 when it became what was said to be the largest ilitary storage depot in Europe after the US were force to close down depots in France. The main warehouse was said to be the largest building under a single roof in Europe.
The base finally closed in 1994 and the site is now largely occupied by the Omega development site and Chapelford urban village.
